Bossier

Keeping Rhythm of Life

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Fireworks and congratulations to the Residence Inn by Marriott located at 501 Traffic Street in Bossier City on their Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting. Owner, Mike Kalthia welcomed the guests with great excitement.

RI Owner, Mike Kalthia and Bossier Chamber of Commerce President, Lisa Johnson

With 131 rooms, Bossier City’s newest hotel boosts many great amenities, such as free laundry, fully equipped kitchens, and free breakfast. The Residence Inn Shreveport-Bossier City/Downtown is an all suite hotel, with extended stay as a focus and is a Dimension Development managed property. Although extended stay is a focus, Residence Inn can accommodate any overnight stays. Jennifer Boone, sales manager says that one of the great things about Residence Inn is that they assist their guests in keeping the rhythm of life. Traveling can disrupt normal routines and Residence Inn’s offer ways for guests to continue to thrive in their personal and business routines.

One service that all Residence Inn’s provide, but very few take advantage of is complimentary grocery shopping. Leave a list at the front desk and your food will be waiting in your room upon your return. This is an important part of my travel life, as I try to maintain a somewhat heathy diet. Many times, I walk to nearby grocery stores in an effort to maintain my normal eating habits. Now that I know this bit of info, I will be looking forward to using the service. This makes it easy to travel with a plan.

In addition to hotel rooms, the Residence Inn has tasteful and spacious event areas for meetings and conferences with catering services available.

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Ethel, Gary and Felicia want to make your stay fabulous

New business is always great for Shreveport-Bossier and I hope you’ll keep Residence Inn at the front of your mind when in need of hotel rooms for family and work associates. General Manager, Gary Theus, promises to offer the best service around.

Residence Inn Shreveport-Bossier City/Downtown is located at 501 Traffic Street, Bossier City, LA 71111. (318) 584-7125

That Just Happened!!
Robin Williams
Marketing Maven, Holiday Lanes

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Fireworks add to the ribbon cutting festivities

There is Hope in Collaboration

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IMG_1161It is so easy to get caught up in our worries and feel like nothing is good in life. I’ve been feeling a bit down lately and it can be consuming. Today I was reminded that while my worries may be valid, there is always someone out there who has things a little (and a lot) worse. My friend, Candace invited me to tour HOPE for the Homeless, a.k.a. HOPE Connections Drop-In-Center, which is a collaboration of organizations and individuals dedicated to ending homelessness in Northwest Louisiana. Candace is a member of the board for the Volunteers of America North Louisiana (VOA) and she wanted to share how they are partnering with other agencies to provide hope in our community.

The Vision of HOPE for the Homeless is that no individual or family has to experience homelessness in Northwest Louisiana.

IMG_1155I really had no idea what to expect. What I found was so touching. The Drop-In-Center is truly a place of collaboration from over 60 agencies that work together to provide a safe resting place and resource center for the homeless.

IMG_1154IMG_1158IMG_1162What I understand about the challenges of being homeless and trying to obtain help is that navigating the system can be daunting, partly due to the travel distance between agencies. This Center provides shower facilities, laundry facilities, telephones, computers, mail receipt, medical services, and job opportunities. It is run by certified Peer Support Specialists that steer clients towards services that will help them obtain and maintain permanent housing.

IMG_1166What touched me most was hearing from Tony. Tony is a homeless veteran who landed in Shreveport after some set-backs in life. Tony, was resistant to accepting help because he has a dog, Obi Wan Kenobi (a three-legged sweetie). Tony had been offered help from other agencies, but with stipulations that he had to get rid of Obi. This was not an idea open for discussion with Tony. As an animal lover, I understand not wanting to give up the companionship. When the case worker from HOPE for the Homeless assured Tony that they would find a way to help them both and then followed through on that assurance, a trust relationship was formed. Because of the collaborations of several agencies, hope was given to Tony in a way that has allowed for a transition into a safer living situation. It has also given Tony a way to contribute back to the community.

HOPE Connections is located at 2350 Levy Street in Shreveport, LA. I hope you will consider taking a tour of this facility, or one of other VOA tours available. The collaborative efforts being made in our community are outstanding. Upcoming tours dates are as follows:

  • Sept 2, 2015 – 11 am – Ballington Center at South Pointe Place – 1133 South Pointe Parkway, Shreveport
  • Sept 2, 2015 – 4 pm – Highland Center – 520 Olive Street, Shreveport
  • Oct 7, 2015 – 11 am – Lighthouse Bossier – 2101 Scott St, Bossier City
  • Nov 4, 2015 – 11 am – Veterans Facility – 453 Jordan St., Shreveport
  • Dec 2, 2015 – 11 am – Lighthouse – 802 Travis St, Shreveport

Want more information about Hope for the Homeless or VOA?

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There is hope in collaboration! I’m proud to live in an area where there are people that are working to improve the lives of everyone in the community.

That Just Happened!!
Robin Williams
Marketing Maven, Holiday Lanes

* Source: http://nwlahope.org/ and site visit

How many monster apples can you eat?

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Boudreaux_rI have this really cool side job promoting The Chocolate Crocodile™ on social media. In case you haven’t heard about The Chocolate Crocodile, in which case I’m not doing an effective job, you need to know that it is the most fabulous candy/chocolate store around. They can dip anything (that’s legal). The Monster Croc Apple is their most popular specialty. More about that in a moment.

IMG_0318In 2005, Jim and Cyndi Ragon decided to leave their full time jobs in Minnesota, move to Bossier City, Louisiana and share their love for chocolate at the newly established Louisiana Boardwalk. Ten years later, they have opened two more stores: Cypress, Texas and Huntsville, Alabama. They are committed to bringing life´s goodness in an elegant, personal atmosphere. Their love extends by specializing in the finest chocolate and caramel delicacies covering the largest juiciest fruits and wrapped in the tastiest crunchiest nuts.

Here are some things you might not know, but should:

  • The Chocolate Crocodile™ uses only the finest chocolate to cover everything from apples to strawberries, peanut butter balls to twinkees, and anything between that you can dream. [If it’s legal – :)] If you don’t see it, they can custom dip it, just ask.
  • They make their caramel fresh, right in the store each day. Yes, homemade. It takes about three hours for each batch. That’s why it tastes so yummy.
  • choccroc4They dip approximately 1300 bushels of apples each year. That’s 83,200 APPLES!
  • In addition to their most popular Monster Croc Pecan Apple, they have 36 different varieties of dipped apples. Each start with a super sized Granny Smith Apple, homemade caramel and layers of chocolate, nuts, sprinkles or confections. (Consider trying the Margarita Apple).
  • Worried about how to eat a Monster Croc Apple? No worries, they will slice your apples so that you can dig right in. I’ve seen the knife, it’s big. Maybe machete is the better word.
  • 10906483_898323243541969_8634360711497633935_nLet’s talk strawberries and apple sizes. Have you seen them? Extra large may be an understatement. The Chocolate Crocodile™ special orders their strawberries and apples. Quality is very important to Jim and Cyndi. If they run out of the fruit, there will be no run to the corner grocery. The standards for consistency in size and quality are of the utmost importance.
  • IMG_6382The Chocolate Crocodile™ has chocolate tours available for groups. Jim, or one of the chocolatiers, will show you around the store, give you the history of chocolate and allow you to have a hands-on experience with dipping chocolate.
  • Are you a wine and chocolate lover? Well then you will want to book a Wine and Chocolate Experience at Jimmy’s Seafood & Steak inside the Margaritaville Resort Casino.  To book, contact Ashley Davis at 752-1455 or adavis@woodmont.com.
  • They even doggie treats. Their non-chocolate treats are specially formulated so don’t worry about ill effects to your dog.
  • And the last point that I’ll draw your attention to is that you can order The Chocolate Crocodile™ yummies from ANYWHERE! Yes, they have ONLINE ORDERING. Check it out.

Today, The Chocolate Crocodile™ appeared on the KTBS First News morning show to discuss the upcoming Monster Apple Eating Contest that will be held at the KTBS/KPXJ Independence Day Festival. On-air personalities, Rick Rowe and Brian Fowler took a shot at an early challenge.

Who do you think was the winner there?

So now, let’s talk about how many monster apples you can eat. Let’s find out on the 4th of July. Head down to the Independence Day Festival at Shreveport’s Festival Plaza. 2015_Choc_Croc_Apple_Eating_FlyerThe Monster Apple Eating Contest begins at 3 pm on the Community Stage, under the Farmer’s Market Pavilion near the train depot. Adults and children are encouraged to give it all they’ve got! You will have 7 minutes to eat all the Monster Croc Apples that you can. There will be cash prizes for 1st thru 3rd place for both adult and children categories. Holiday Lanes will provide water for the event and has provided game passes for anyone who signs up, along with prizes for the winners. My good friend Thomas at Maccentric has provided the apples for the event. (good fit, don’t ya think?)

Sign up online now and don’t forget to follow The Chocolate Crocodile™.

That just happened.
Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Push Ups for Charity

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Push Up for Charity – this morning KTBS featured Fairway Independent Mortgage on the morning show about their contribution through its American Warrior Initiative . They will pay $5 for every push up that is done at the KTBS/KPJX Independence Day Festival, up to $25,000 and 100% will be used to support Shreveport/Bossier veterans.

The event will be held at the KTBS/KPXJ Independence Day Festival (July 4, 2015) at Shreveport Festival Plaza.

You can join teams or donate> Read more

That just happened.

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Welcome newbies

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Check out those newbies

Check out those newbies

Welcome new members of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. As you might know, I am a big advocate of the Bossier Chamber. It is my best source for networking and being active in our community. If you are a business owner in Bossier Parish or Shreveport, I really encourage you to join, get involved and participate in the Bossier Chamber. Tell them I sent you!

Katie, Ginger & Robin

Holiday Lanes was the new member orientation sponsor and I was excited to talk with the newbies on the block.

President of the Bossier Chamber, Lisa Johnson

I invite you to the TLA (The Last Appointment) After Hours Event being held tomorrow, June 25, 2015 from 5-7 pm at the Hampton Inn/Towne Place Suites at 1005 Gould Drive in Bossier City. Come on out and do some networking.

Follow the Bossier Chamber:

That just happened.

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

To Market I Did Not Go

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market_bagDDHow many times have you said you were going to the Farmer’s Market to purchase locally grown fresh foods and then forgot? Yeah, for me, too many times. Well I’ve got a great suggestion for those of you in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Delta Delivered. This is an awesome service that delivers local and organic meals and groceries. lemon cucumberToday, to market I did not go, but I received my first Market Bag full of fresh fruits and veggies. It came just in time to use for dinner. I already had a pork roast in the oven and was trying to decide what to add to the meal. Inside the bag I found lettuce, peppers, a variety of tomatoes, corn, eggplant, zucchini, squash, blue berries, peaches, an onion, and one item that I’ve never seen before. My friend Jada also received a bag and she flushed out the question on social media. We now believe it is a lemon cucumber.

saladFrom the bag, I was able to add a nice garden salad to my pork roast dinner, along with lovely sautéed zucchini. It was almost as if someone went to a garden, picked the veggies and dropped them off to my door. Actually, I think that is exactly what happened.

zuchinniDelta Delivered sells and delivers fruits, veggies, berries, meats, coffee, prepared meals, soaps and flowers right to your door. They source locally from the following vendors:

We are all busy with family, work, fun and play. This is a convenient service that helps balance your time and interest in eating healthy and fresh local products.

Want more information about Delta Delivered? Check them out:

That just happened.
Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Disclaimer: I received products for review in exchange for writing this blog, although all opinions are my own.

It really takes a community

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People tell me every day that I seem to have such a fun life and then they ask how I know what’s going on in the Shreveport-Bossier community. Most of the time, I rattle off how I heard about particular events. One of the things that annoys me most is when people say that there is nothing to do in our locale. It is so NOT true. Sometimes my calendar has so many events that I have to cull my choices. I thought it might be fun to make a list of the people and organizations who contribute community event information to my life each day.

BCC new logoBossier Chamber of Commerce – I have been a diplomat for the Bossier Chamber for 5 years. This year I decided to take some time off in an official capacity, but I still make an effort to be at the events. The Bossier Chamber is probably my best resource for networking. I find the info to attend on their website calendars:

facebookFacebook Events – I hear people say they hate getting all of the event invites on Facebook. Not me! I rejoice in them, because behind each one is a person that created the event with hopes for even one “going” response. This is my main resource for finding out information about events in our community. Of course, from time to time, there are events that I’m not interested in attending, but I still look at them and value them as a contribution of knowledge in my life. I link my Facebook events with my iCal and Google calendars so that I don’t miss an opportunity. ALSO, I invite people to those events and share, share, share!

IMG_9723Jada Durden – Recently Jada was named my true soul mate by Captain Quizz, so you know it must be true. Jada has a very similar vision as mine and has made a huge impact in contributing to my life. She is in the know when it comes to the events, restaurants and attractions that are appealing. Jada writes the Loving This Life blog and has been honored by Louisiana Travel as a top 11 blogs to follow in Louisiana. She also writes for the Shreveport Times, has her own videographer and more plans in the works for sharing.  Her contribution is enormous and you should be following her every move.

IMG_7664Chris Jay and Sara Hebert – This dynamic duo = THE cool kids in town. Chris knows lots, and even more about food. Sara is who I strive to be, even though I’m sure she is 20 years younger. I follow both on social media just to pick up any nuggets they might be chucking, especially the events that they share. They know about music, food, events and even weird stuff that you didn’t think you needed to know. I’ll let you figure out those on your own. Oh, and they dress really cool. I want to rip off their style, yet I’m afraid I’m too old to pull it off. Together Sara and Chris produce the All Y’all Blog, Live Storytelling Events and Podcasts. Sara is the marketing genius at Moonbot Studios and Chris is the extra hard working Public Relations and Social Media Manager for the Shreveport- Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau and writes the 20×49 Blog (listed next).  I hear that Chris writes for six magazines. Ask him about it.

19120_10153133965946328_887482314413511101_nShreveport- Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau (SBCTB) – I serve on the Attractions Association Board with the SBCTB and get lots of info just by hanging around those folks. On days when I can’t think of anything to do, I check out the SB Fun Guide and 20×49 blog:

1507837_10201883458861266_1240861387_nRobert Trudeau – Robert is one of those people who you just want to stand close to in hopes that his creativity will waft over to you. If I’m looking for info about music, art, or community, Robert is the one I look to. Robert is the editor of the Shreveport Blog and I look to him for my cultural arts fill. His wife Talbot is a fabulous artist and they make a great team.

Shreveport Chamber of Commerce – As with the Bossier Chamber, the Shreveport Chamber has many opportunities to connect with others in our community.

These are just a few of the info powerhouses that I look to for my pulse on the community. I wanted to add paragraphs to acknowledge the likes of:

but we would be here for quite a while. It really takes a community to know your community. I guess what I’m saying is . . . get to know those who know.

That just happened.
Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Happy Blogday to Jada

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Congrats to Jada Durden on the first anniversary of her “Loving This Life” blog. I was so excited to share in her celebration at Ernest’s Orleans Restaurant. I aspire to be in the same blogosphere realm as Jada one day.   

    Follow Jada:

Jada Durden:   Facebook   |   Website   | Twitter

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Jump for Fitness

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IMG_9311If you are ready to amp up your fitness routine, I’ve got some news for you. My friend, Katie Q. invited me to join her for a fitness class at the new Altitude Trampoline Park in Bossier City. It sounded like fun, so I agreed. Thirty minutes before class started, my sweet friend bailed on me. “Should I go . . .?” I thought. “Yes” was the answer.  Boy! I was in for a workout like I haven’t had in quite a while. This class works out every muscle in your body. And while the class lasted for an hour, I only made it 15 minutes. (Yes, I’m a quitter!)

For anyone looking for a fun and intense workout, you need to check out Altitude’s fitness class. Classes are $8.95 per session (or $4 if you purchase 12 at a time). You will be required to purchase a pair of slip-grip socks for $2. I put those socks in my glove compartment in my car with hopes that I work up the nerve to go back (and Katie doesn’t bail on me).

Get more information about Altitude Trampoline Park:

That just happened (check out pics and video below),

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

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Laney takes flight at Holiday Lanes

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pelicanlaneyI’m so excited about the new Laney’s Kid’s Club (LKC) at Holiday Lanes! Why? Because it’s all new AND it’s our own. For the past few years, we have been affiliated with a national program for our summer free bowling. Don’t get me wrong, the program was great and exposed lots of kids to bowling. It’s just that we didn’t have much control over what we were saying or promoting with the program. We wanted to offer something BIGGER & BETTER to our bowlers and that’s where Laney’s Kid’s Club comes in. LKC is a FREE year-round membership for kids 18 & younger that offers 2 free games bowling every day from May 1 – September 30. Not only is this great for the pocketbook, it’s a fun and fit way to keep kids active. ALSO . . . there is a family pass, a shoe pass and a school employee pass offer that extends the value and gives the rest of the family a chance to bowl with the kids.

One of the first sketches of Pelican Laney by Laurie (done on a train bound for Willie Nelson concert)

One of the first sketches of Pelican Laney by Laurie (done on a train bound for Willie Nelson concert)

I love the fact that I work in a job that allows me such creativity and fun. About a month ago, I was just about to sign up with the national program when my boss called and said that we were going to create our own program. I was fortunate that she is connected with other bowling proprietors around the country. My friend and marketing colleague, Rocky from Mel’s Lonestar Lanes, had made a switch last year and designed a program that was working. So I loaded up and headed to Georgetown, TX to pick Rocky’s brain. laney_bowlingLet me tell you, Rocky’s got it going on. After my two day visit with her, I was ready to take on the world. A month wasn’t a lot of time to design web sign ups, email marketing and overall promotions, but projects like this get me on a roll. The next thing I did was call an artist friend of mine, Laurie Jarecki, to design our mascot. Laurie was on a train bound for Austin to see Willie Nelson, but within a few minutes on her sketch pad, Pelican Laney was born. After several proofs, Laurie cranked out the final draft of Laney.  That’s when Laney took flight at Holiday Lanes.

So here are the details:

signupSign up kids online to become Laney’s Kid’s Club members. As a Laney’s Kid’s Club member, you’ll receive the following just for signing up:

  • 2 FREE Bowling games every day May 1 – Sept 30, 2015. (Awesome Approx Value $1530 per person)
  • Coupons emailed each Saturday
  • Exclusive Event Access all year long
  • A fun and fit activity – BOWLING is healthy!
  • LKC members who book their birthday party at Holiday Lanes will receive a free Laney t-shirt for the birthday child.
  • Opportunity to extend value by purchasing a family pass for up to 4 other adults in the household
  • $20 Shoe passes available to cover the entire 5 months of shoe rental with your bowling
  • & More to come!

ATTENTION TEACHERS: As a way of thanking teachers and school employees for sharing info about Laney’s Kid’s Club with students, Holiday Lanes is extending a FUN & FIT summer of bowling with 2 FREE games for teachers and school employees too. It’s free to sign up for a Teacher and School Employee pass

Bowling builds community. It’s a fit activity (burns lots of calories!) and so much fun. Laughter is guaranteed when you bowl. Our intentions with Laney’s Kid’s Club is to expose as many children to the sport of bowling as a healthy life choice. Holiday Lanes is a great smoke-free environment for adults and kids to play.

Make sure you are following Holiday Lanes to keep up with all the fun and fit stuff going on:

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes